Intern Spotlight: Samantha Johnstone

Samantha Johnstone

Samantha is our National Communications Intern this summer. We are so excited to have her, and have been so grateful for all the amazing content she’s helped with!

We are so excited to have Samantha as our communications intern this summer! She does important work editing and looking over oped submissions, letters to the editor, and articles that volunteers have written. She takes time to make sure that they are both well crafted and fit with the style and messaging of CCL! In addition, Samantha hosts zoom meetings for volunteers to teach them how to write letter to the editors, practicing with local news articles. She has assisted the blog by editing, transcribing, and even writing some of her own posts.

Samantha is studying at Cornell University, majoring in Environment and Sustainability with a focus on Environmental Humanities, minoring in communications. When not in class, she writes for the school newspaper, the Cornell Daily Sun. She is the communications intern for TIAA- divest, which focuses on divesting from companies who are perpetuating the climate crisis. If that wasn’t enough, she also is a founding member of the Cornell Sierra club, working actively as their webmaster. 

Samantha got started as a climate advocate through the animal rights movement. She’s been vegetarian since she was seven, and vegan since she was fourteen. As she’s grown in her advocacy, she has focused on climate change, because that issue is something that affects people, animals, and the planet. She loves focusing on positive content, which is a huge part of why Samantha loves working with CCL. Here at CCL, we try to discourage climate defeatism through highlighting positive stories and creating access to resources for change. Samantha knows that this approach aligns with her values, and she loves being able to uplift and inspire others to be involved in this way. 

In her free time, Samantha enjoys writing and making delicious vegan food with her loved ones. She loves spending time outdoors, whether it’s skiing, hiking, or swimming- she will always jump in a body of water. Fun fact: She’s been to five Taylor Swift concerts with her dad, who is also a huge Swiftie! 

Thanks for everything you do Samantha, we are so excited to see what your future holds!